CHC Chair Statement on Trump’s 'Catch and Release' Memo

Washington, D.C. - Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chairwoman Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-01) released the following statement in reaction to a Trump administration memo ordering the end to ‘catch and release' at the border:

"Trump's directive to "end" ‘catch and release' is contrary to international and humanitarian law and will result in the cruel separation of families and prosecution of vulnerable asylum seekers fleeing violence and persecution.

"The White House's order to close 'loopholes' is a direct attempt to dismantle procedural and due process protections for children and asylum seekers. It is clear that the Trump Administration would rather jail pregnant women, children and other vulnerable immigrants even though there are safer and more humane alternatives. This is wrong, costly, and betrays our deepest held beliefs and principles as a people.

"Since our nation's founding, the United States has been a beacon hope and refuge. Congress must not allow this administration to undermine the due process protections and human rights we have in place for children and families fleeing violence and economic strife."

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The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), founded in December 1976, is organized as a Congressional Member organization, governed under the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives. The CHC is dedicated to voicing and advancing, through the legislative process, issues affecting Hispanics in the United States, Puerto Rico and U.S. Territories.​​